Ask CF: How do I Ditch my Denim Shorts?
Here at CF, we get tons of messages every day from our readers asking for fashion and beauty advice. In the past, we never had an appropriate outlet to answer all of these varied (and often specific) questions. But this is now. And today we are excited to officially launch our new column, Ask CF.
Every two weeks, we’ll select a reader fashion question and answer it here on the site. Do you have a specific fashion question for us? Scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to send it our way!
Ask CF Question
Dear CF,
I always find myself wearing denim shorts and a tee every day during the summer. I keep looking for denim short alternatives, but I can never seem to figure out how to style them and always end up reverting back to my favorite cutoffs. Do you have any suggestions that can help me get away from wearing denim all summer long?
Sincerely, Tired of Denim Shorts
Our Response
Dear Tired of Denim,
Well let me start off by saying that I can totally relate. Denim shorts are definitely a wardrobe staple for most closets, and there are countless ways to wear them. Because of this, it is easy to find yourself wearing these basics day after day. In fact, this dilemma is so common that we have challenged our readers twice before to ditch the denim. (Check out 5 Style Challenges You Should Try in 2011 and How to NOT Wear Jeans.)
Of course, we aren’t trying to suggest that denim is bad, but sometimes it is helpful to challenge ourselves so that we can be more creative with our clothing. In your case, experimenting with different short styles – sans-denim – is the way to do that. To help get you started, I have created a few outfit options that will hopefully provide some inspiration to help switch up your summer wardrobe. I hope you find these outfits inspirational and I wish you great fun as you experiment with your own!
Sincerely, Jessica
Outfit #1: Casual Cool
Product Information: Tank, Shirt, Top Ring, Middle Ring, Bottom Ring, Necklace, Shorts, Shoes
I started this outfit with these floral culotte shorts. Because of their light and flouncy design, shorts like these will be a nice break from stiff denim. A light chambray shirt worn over a simple white tank is a perfect way to get the denim look you love in a whole new way. Accessorize the look with a jeweled necklace, a set of rings that complements the pattern in the shorts, and some espadrille sneakers.
Outfit #2: Retro Glam
Product Information: Sweater, Sunglasses, Necklace, Sandals, Shorts
For this next look, I thought it would be fun to use these fire-engine red, high-waisted shorts – they make such a fabulous statement. I paired them with a gray and white striped summer sweater, which by the way is a super hot trend for the season! I know for some of us the thought of a summer sweater is crazy, however a light one like this could be worn when it cools down at night. Layer on this cool knotted necklace to really make a statement. Retro black sunglasses and black sliver wedge, studded flats finish off the look.
Outfit #3: Fun & Flirty
Product Information: Top, Sunglasses, Shorts, Bag, Earrings, Sandals
As we’ve mentioned before, lace is huge this season and many shorts styles have channeled the trend, too. These white lace shorts are perfect for a hot summer day. A floral tank like the one above captures the dainty spirit of the shorts as well as the fun of summer. Bright yellow sunglasses, a turquoise cross-body bag, pink sandals, and bow earrings add the finishing touches to the ensemble.
Do you have a fashion question? Send it our way!
Is there something in your closet that you can’t seem to figure out how to wear? Do you have an event coming up and need an outfit idea? Do you have a specific fashion conundrum you need help with?
If you have a question you want to see answered in this column, just send it on over via email to askcf @ collegefashion.net and one day you might see your question answered right here on the site!
Please note: We get A LOT of email and unfortunately we will not be able to respond to every single question. However, we will read through each question and then decide which ones will be most helpful to the most readers. Thank you for your understanding.
What do you think?
Do you like the new series, Ask CF? Have you found yourself in a denim shorts rut recently? Was this post helpful? Which outfit was your favorite? Please let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!
 |
Posted on on July 10, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: advice, Ask CF, Chambray, Colutte shorts, Denim, Espadrille Flats, Fashion Challenge, Lace shorts, Outfits, Shorts, Sliver wedge, Summer
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Mariah
I wish I had this girl’s problem, lol. Since I’m very pale I need at least a few days of tanning to get my legs to look decent enough to wear shorts.
Anyway, my advice to her would be to wear more dresses – they’re even easier than shorts and a t-shirt.
Priya
This is such a great idea, and I can’t wait to read more advice! Good job, CF!
Ashlee
Thank you~! I needed this!
Lana
Agreed with Mariah! Dresses are so easily versatile – along with rompers! Rompers are my absolute favourite. They have the versatility of dresses but with the comfort of shorts (not to mention, you don’t have to worry when there’s a gust of wind!)
Rachel
I usually head to my denim cutoffs because they go with anything…that’s the blessing and the curse of the cutoff. I finally bought some cotton/linen blend shorts in different colors that go with just as many tops as my cutoffs but don’t make me feel like I’m Denim Debbie.
Grace
what about khaki? I <3 my khaki shorts. Plus I wear skorts all the time in summer, lol.
jo
i think for the retro glam look,you have to be slim/skinny in order for it to look good,it needs a petite frame to fit on to,as for the denuim shorts,,i think thyre timeless! they look HOT if worn day or night,an eternal favorite
Tricia
I tend to have this dilemma with regular pants…but I have plenty of non-denim shorts that I embrace daily. I’m not a huge fan of denim, so my shorts are my prized possession of bottoms in my closet
Ritu
I’ll start out by saying that I think the Ask CF posts are a great idea.
I absolutely love the retro-glam look! I just got a pair of red shorts and so I’ll definitely be trying it out.
I’m working as a research assistant this summer, so I can’t wear denim shorts 5/7 days, which has made me be more creative with my clothes. (That said, on weekends I do end up just tossing on a tee + denim.) All the outfits here are classy and fun, so I’m totally going to try incorporating similar elements into my outfits for work and weekend! :)
Adriana
CF is such a great way to exchange information. This new series is a great addition. I like the casual cool way to wear denim…never goes out of style either. Thanks, CF!
Rachel - Butler University
Great idea, Jessica. I’m sure this will be a great help to our readers!
sam
I can totally relate! I found myself always wearing the same cut off shorts until I recently got a pair of Monroe shorts from naven! They are even more comfortable and give a much more dressed up look than the basic denims! I got that at shopnaven.com but I think they sell them in stores too if you’re not an online shopper like me :)
sarah
I LOVE those white lace shorts. Has anyone found anything like that in the US?
Tricia
@Sarah- got some lovely white lace shorts creeping around Marshalls